Hopes for Kick Starting MD Off Shore Wind Power

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Gov. Martin O'Malley is proposing a measure to help develop offshore wind that is very similar to a bill that fell short last year, but this time he's finding a more favorable climate in the Maryland General Assembly.

O'Malley, a Democrat, outlined details in the proposal on Tuesday.

The governor says a project of this magnitude will need to involve partners in othe

r states or the federal government to offshore wind started.

Under the measure, the O'Malley administration says Maryland residents could pay as much as $1.50 more a month, once energy is generated by offshore wind.

A similar bill passed the House of Delegates last year, but stalled in the Senate. The Senate already has 24 co-sponsors this year in a chamber that needs 24 votes to pass.